9:38 AM,
Oct. 16, 2013

Written by

J.D. Gallop
FLORIDA TODAY

A 50-year-old man is in the burn unit this morning after police said he accidentally set himself on fire while using gasoline, a wooden cross and candles to put together a Halloween display.

The incident happened just after 8 p.m. Tuesday at 1397 Wacker Ave. Palm Bay police identified the man as Ron Nielson. He was treated by Palm Bay Fire-Rescue crews at the scene and then airlifted to the Orlando Regional Medical Center's burn unit where his condition was not immediately known this morning.

"He was conscious and alert but he had second-degree burns over 40 to 50 percent of his body, including ...